I have seen the effects of animal magnetism, or some anomalous sleep,
or whatever it may be called, many a time in my youth. I have seen
persons lie on the benches, on the floor of the meeting house, or on
the ground at their camp meetings, for ten, twenty, and thirty minutes,
and I do not know but an hour, and not a particle of pulse about them.
That was the effect of what I call animal magnetism; they called it the
power of God, but no matter what it was, I used to think that I should
like to ask such persons what they had seen in their trance or vision;
and when I got old enough and dared ask them, I did so. I have said to
such persons: "Brother, what have you experienced?" "Nothing." "What do
you know more than before you had this; what do you call it--trance,
sleep or dream? Do you know any more now than before you fell to the
earth?" "Nothing more." "Have you seen any person?" "No." "Then what is
the use or utility of your falling down here in the dirt?" I could not
see it, and consequently I was an infidel to this. But I said then as
I say now--"Show me a church that God has organized, and you will find
apostles {115} to rule, govern, control, dictate, and give counsel.
You will find prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, governments,
helps, and diversities of tongues. When the Church and Kingdom of God
is upon the earth you will find all these things and you will also hear
prophesying therein." 14:113.
Many people in this city do not know whether astrology is true or
not, whether it is of God or the Devil; hence they are liable to be
deceived, as is every person unless they have the power of revelation
within themselves. If there are any brethren here who have been
studying astrology, and they were called upon to speak, would they
not say that they believed it to be a true science? They would; they
testify that they know it to be true. But what does it do for them?
It leads them into thousands of errors. Does God ever lead you into
error? Is he mistaken when he reveals? No; when he sets you to make
calculations and figures, I will insure you that every sum will prove
and come out precisely right. The Lord does not deceive people, but
astrology and mesmerism do lead them astray. How many deceptions are
there in the world? Millions, for a great many spirits have gone forth
into the world to deceive the people. Spirit rappings are of the same
class. 3:156.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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